Fallen Star Fields

[Setzi Lunelle]

For the first time in a very long time, Setzi felt hope. True hope. And why shouldn’t she? The former Jedi had been lone wolfing it for so long that she realized like that age-old quote from some wise person in the galaxy: Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

And maybe that had been her problem. The farm-girl from Aduba-III who’d miraculously, as a Sith and then wayward Jedi, survived countless fiery and bloody battles, had been traveling in solitude.

As she listened to Adder, she realized his description of the defense the planet would need was not just misguided militarism. The threat was real; she’d seen that so often firsthand.

And here I was thinking that Nadiem would be a perfect spot to relaunch some of the underfunded AgriCorp operations.

Then again, that goal could still happen, especially deployment to rebuild worlds freed from the Sith and other despotic elements. Sometimes just getting running water and food in play could make the difference between survival and extinction. But who was going to drive them out if the Republic was focused on grandstanding around the Core, despite the resources it might have to offer?

“I’ve been walking alone in the light,” she admitted. “And it would have been impossible to find me, Adder, since I was constantly running.”
The need to physically show him how she felt took over and laying a gentle hand on his cheek, she planted a kiss upon his lips, softly and not wanting to lunge into a pace he wasn't ready for.

[member="Adder Dawnracer"]

 

[Adder Dawnracer]

No, Nadiem wasn't the safe haven it should have been. The Republiv had meddle in trying to clean up Hutt space and then left after freeing several worlds. They had taken all the systems defenses with them, and now they were completely open to being targeted by the remaining Hutt syndicates. Their retribution was likely to be worse than the situation that had been previously rectified but it was obvious that the only people who really cared about it were those few senators who had remained behind. That was why they needed an army and needed to recruit a new navy. The Hutts were a greater threat than the Sith for the time being. As odd as that was to say.

She indicated that she had been on the run and wouldn't have been found. That wasn't necessarily accurate, though. Ever was excellent at tracking people down that didn't want to be found. It might have taken time, sure. In the end, though, it would have happened. Not that it particularly mattered anymore. And before he could say as much she leaned over and kissed him.

It took him aback a bit. Not that it wasn't enjoyable it just wasn't expected. For a moment, a brief one, there was no response, but then lips moved to return the offered tender moment, and hands moved to envelope the woman. The soft touch of her lips brought back memories and feelings that hadn't been felt in a very long time. She felt good, nestled against him, and honestly he hadn't realized until that moment that doing everything he had been doing alone just wasn't working. That was why Ever had sought to bring Setzi back.

When the kiss broke, he kissed her forehead lightly.

"You don't need to run anymore," he said, offering a smile. "This is your home now. Stay with me, with us, and help us protect what needs protecting. But most of all, be with me as we could have been before. I need you here."

[member="Setzi Lunelle"]

 

[Setzi Lunelle]

It seemed like Adder was not expecting the kiss, but moved into it with a gentle passion that thrilled her, making her glow inside. For a moment, she felt guilty that she had blindsided him, but her happiness grew as her old friend wrapped his strong arms around her. At one point she would need to tell him about how she’d fallen, ending up in the depths of depravity, a Sith Lord feared on Korriban who had sentenced a multitude of slaves to their deaths upon the Eternal Pyre.

She shivered and hoped Adder would think there was a slight chill in the room.

“Nadiem first and foremost,” she said, squeezing his hand after his lips left her forehead.

“No correction, you are first and foremost now. Then we shall see about defenses for your… our homeworld.” Setzi looked into the politician’s wise, blue eyes. She could feel ambition stirring again. Munto City had lost eight million inhabitants at the hand of the Sith, Commenor was locked down and under the influence of darksiders, and yet the Silver Jedi did nothing. Nothing.

Unconsciously, she squeezed his hand a little harder with vexation. This is exactly why I’ve been disillusioned with the Jedi Order. Still she wanted Adder’s advice.

“Do you think I should train again? To take up the mantle of a Jedi Master again?”

[member="Adder Dawnracer"]

 

[Adder Dawnracer]

A creature that drew the hearts desire. Never before had such a thing seemed possible. Not since the loss of his wife. And yet, despite it all, a lost love had returned. Heartstrings were pulled that had not been touched for years. It caused a sensation of both thrill and painatthe same time. Gone was his wife, but returned was the woman he first loved. Could they become the family that was lost? No. There was no replacing that which was lost and it would be rude to push such a burden upon her. Instead they would be a new family, come what may. No restraints.

"Don't do that to me, Setzi," he said, shaking his head. "The people first but each other and Ever a close second. We must make time for both."

A squeezed hand was met with a hand raised to brush the soft, tender cheek turned towards him. As much as thinking about it was rude, he wanted nothing more than to rip her clothes from her and devour her right there. Not literally, of course. He wasn't a cannibal. Just figuratively speaking. But no, that was best saved for later, when the lights were low and there was not to disturb them. Ever would probably go back to the barracks with Setzi staying anyway. The house would be empty except for them.

When she asked her question, his hand turned from her cheek to run down her chin and turn her, gently, towards him once more. The visage of a woman lost was not something to be readily squandered. Beauty was a wondrous thing and Setzi had it in spades.

"You should be what you are. The people here will need that. But so you know, there is a temple here on Nadiem now. You won't have to go far to find others."

That did leave a question.

"What happened when you left? What lead to you being in stasis?"

[member="Setzi Lunelle"]

 

[Setzi Lunelle]

Adder’s words were firm but not unkind, and his caress to her cheekbone ensured he and Setzi were on equal ground. He may be few decades older but she was an old soul. Oh she would make mistakes, emotional ones likely as that was always a weakness of hers in trying to practice the Jedi way.

Likewise, Setzi wanted him to take things further, but she restrained herself, especially as Ever was nearby. The young woman had a tough exterior but matters of the heart could pierce any self-imposed armor. Better to not push boundaries just yet. She would follow Adder’s lead.

“My memory is very foggy from the ordeal, but I was on Deneba doing work with the Silver Jedi. I was supposed to meet my Master, Connor Harrison there. And that’s all I really remember.”

She laughed melodically and said, “The funny thing about the galaxy… that much time can pass and nothing really changes.” Adder’s warm hands on her skin soothed her and lulled into a sense of peace mixed with desire, she kissed him again quickly on the lips. “Especially you. Thankfully.”

[member="Adder Dawnracer"]

 

[Adder Dawnracer]

It sounded complicated. He had never understood the dealings of Jedi, but few did. Life was complicated even as a person without the Force and here was a woman who had it, had been going somewhere to meet with a teacher before being jumped. What would have happened? Sith? Possible. Actually it was likely that was the case. But wouldn't she have found that out at some point? If so, she was withholding it. That being the case, he felt it best not to pry. If she wasn't telling him something then there was a reason for it and she would tell him in time.

"I've changed. I'm a politician now," he said, grabbing up his cane.

Standing wasn't an easy thing. It took a few moments of labored pushing but no help request was made. On his feet again, he reached his free hand towards her, tugging her to her feet. The chit chat was great, but there was a lot of lost time to be made up for.

They enjoyed a nice dinner with Ever. The latter was slightly distant, though not angrily so. The feeling he got was that she was trying to be respectful and felt a little awkward about being in their reunion space. He got the idea and gave a little nod, which allowed Ever to excuse herself. This allowed the two lost loves to reconnect further over some well coaked nerf steaks and expensive red wine. One of the perks of being in politics, people sent you things for favors, even if you didn't reciprocate. He didn't, but he always sent a thanks for the wine.

After dinner activities included a trip to the bedroom where lost loves became thoroughly reacquainted. The reality was that he was still in love with her and it was nice to be able to express it. It was nice knowing that she wasn't going to leave this time. They could stay together. Forever. Or, at least, until he died twenty or so years before her. Downsides. But they would have their time together and they would do many things to make it enjoyable. They would have an impact.

They would be remembered.

[member="Setzi Lunelle"]